The holidays are here. While it may be a time for merriment, don’t forget to take precautions to ensure it’s a safe holiday.
The Morgantown Police Department is reminding residents of the following safety tips to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
For general safety
- Shop during daylight hours. This provides you with the greatest visibility while driving and allows you to observe your surroundings in the best conditions possible;
- Shop with a partner when possible;
- Wear shoes with slip resistant soles to prevent falls;
- Always carry identification such as a driver’s license or other photo ID when you’re away from your residence;
- Do not carry large purses or large amounts of cash while shopping;
- Always let someone know where you are going and what time you plan to return home;
- If you lose your credit or debit card, notify your bank immediately;
- Never leave your keys in your car;
- Park in well-lit areas;
- Have your keys in hand before exiting a store. Do not attempt to locate your keys while standing alone in a parking lot;
- Always lock your car doors as soon as you get into your car;
- Be aware of being approached by strangers offering you a deal that sounds too good to be true. Con artists use a variety of methods of distraction in an effort to steal money and valuables; and
- If you are shopping with your children, teach them to go to a store clerk or store security if they become separated or lost.
For crime prevention
- Lock your car;
- Do not leave valuables in your car;
- Record make, model and serial numbers of all of your valuables (electronics, firearms, etc.) and photograph your jewelry;
- Keep a copy of these photos and serial numbers somewhere other than your computer or at your residence, such as;
— With a trusted friend or family member;
— At your work;
— Or a safety deposit box.
- It is easier to return stolen property when there is good identification;
- When you are leaving your home for an extended period of time, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your chances of becoming a victim, including;
— Have a trusted friend or family member check on your home regularly;
— Have your mail delivery paused at the post office or picked up by a friend not allowing it to accumulate;
— Double check that all windows and doors are locked before you leave;
— Have your lights on a timer so that they come on and off like you are home;
— Have motion sensor lights on the exterior of your residence;
And contact a local law enforcement agency to see if they have a home check program. The Morgantown Police Department offers free home vacation checks. To sign up, call 304-284-7522, Ext. 0 or go to the Morgantown Police Department’s Vacation Check online form to sign up.
